Merrimac State School vs Star of the Sea School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in Queensland, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Merrimac State School
Merrimac · Government primary · Prep-6
600 students · ICSEA 1020
Star of the Sea School
Merrimac · Catholic primary · Prep-6
236 students · ICSEA 1045
| Measure | Merrimac State School Merrimac QLD | Star of the Sea School Merrimac QLD |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 49 Lower 50% | 59 Top 50% |
| State rank (type) | #346 of 804 | #232 of 804 |
| National rank (type) | #2793 of 4,908 | #2055 of 4,908 |
| Sector | Government | Catholic |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Prep-6 | Prep-6 |
| Students | 600 | 236 |
| Girls / boys | 307 / 293 | 115 / 121 |
| Foundation intake | 67 | 46 |
| Year 7 cohort | – | – |
| Year 12 cohort | – | – |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | -23% | – |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1020 | 1045 |
| ICSEA percentile | 56th | 66th |
| Top SEA quarter | 11% | 13% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 22% | 11% |
| Students per teacher | 14.2 | 14.9 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 42.4 | 15.8 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 19.9 | 7.7 |
| Language background other than English | 27% | 5% |
| Indigenous students | 5% | 3% |
| Suburb | Merrimac 4226 | Merrimac 4226 |
| Council area | Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | merrimacss.eq.edu.au | www.staroftheseamerrimac.qld.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Star of the Sea School scores higher on the Success Index (58.5 vs 48.6).
- •Star of the Sea School has the higher ICSEA (1045 vs 1020), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Merrimac State School has fewer students per teacher (14.2 vs 14.9).
- •Merrimac State School is the larger school with 600 students compared with 236.
- •Merrimac State School is a government school while Star of the Sea School is a catholic school, so fees and enrolment rules differ.
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Your nearest centre: Success Tutoring Mount Gravatt East
Frequently asked questions
Is Merrimac State School better than Star of the Sea School?
On the Success Index, Star of the Sea School ranks higher (58.5 vs 48.6 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Merrimac State School and Star of the Sea School?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Merrimac and Merrimac in Queensland.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Merrimac State School has 14.2 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Star of the Sea School has 14.9.
How do Merrimac State School and Star of the Sea School rank in QLD?
Merrimac State School is 346th of 804 and Star of the Sea School is 232nd of 804 among primary schools in Queensland on the 2025 Success Index.